Haere Mai
Welcome to Ruru Specialist School
We are proud to show you around our wonderful school.
Based in the Waikiwi suburb of Invercargill, we have been here for the past 40 years providing innovative and engaging learning for Southland Tamariki and Rangatahi.
About
Reaching Potential
Ruru Specialist School takes an innovative approach to teaching and learning across the school for a diverse range of students aged 5 to 21 years.
Our experienced and professional staff design quality programmes for each individual student.
Our Values
Integrity
Show integrity by being honest and responsible
Excellence
We aim high and persevere
Respect
We demonstrate respect for ourselves and others at all times
Inclusion
We all belong and learn together
Manaakitanga
Show regards for peoples feelings, wishes and rights
We are dedicated to providing
1
A safe and supportive educational environment, where students are encouraged to reach their full potential.
2
We provide an up to date innovative curriculum that meets the needs of our students.
3
Our school is dedicated to meeting the needs of the individual and supporting families within our community both while at school and post school.
Our School at a glance
Learning Spaces are set up to meet the needs of our diverse learners, with the use of technology, flexible spaces, visual strategies and a dedicated team of teachers, therapists and support staff that receive ongoing relevant professional development.
The multidisciplinary team including speech Language therapists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, music therapists, sensory room, water therapy, Kaitiaki and behaviour specialists pulls together a supportive and substantive approach to teaching and learning in our specialist environment. Having this strong team onsite allows for needs to be met in a timely manner.
All ORS verified students have direct access to all therapies with family/whanau consultation driving what we do.
Individual Education and Career plans are the driving force in our school. The IEP planning meetings are set against the key competencies of the New Zealand Curriculum. Goals are set that reflect the individual students abilities and future developmental aspirations from both the student and their family/whanau. Students have IEP/ICP planning meetings every 6 months. Goals set each 6 months become the targets for students, they are worked on daily across settings within the school.
Ruru Specialist School has a team of therapists consisting of Speech Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, and Music Therapy.
Whanau Haua – working with Ruru Specialist School Staff to develop cultural capability, making a positive contribution to children’s learning.
Whanau Haua group meets each term to share progress and discuss new ideas.
Parents and staff are committed to celebrating the vital role families and whanau plan in the learning of akonga.
Our Learning Spaces
Classrooms are set up to meet the needs of our diverse learners, with the use of technology, flexible spaces, visual strategies and a dedicated team of teachers and support staff that receive ongoing relevant professional development.
